Hudson named university president finalist in Georgia

By
Gabe Semenza
April 8, 2011 at 5 p.m.Updated April 7, 2011 at 11:08 p.m.

FOR MORE INFOTo learn about the other finalists, visit:

www.North Georgia.edu/ Presidential Search

Former University of Houston-Victoria President Tim Hudson is one of five finalists for the president's job at a school in northern Georgia.

Hudson toured the North Georgia College & State University campus on April 1. There, he met with senior leaders, students, faculty, staff and community members.

"He brought a great deal of perspective in internationalizing the campus and curriculum, which is something that has been in our university's strategic plan for a few years," said Kate Maine, the school's director of university relations and a presidential search committee member. "He's very smart, very well-spoken and his energy really attracted people to him."

Hudson served as the UHV president from 2004-10. He boasts an extensive background in international education, including the establishment of more than 40 study-abroad programs.

At UHV, Hudson helped the school to gain an international presence in, or attract students from, countries including China, Mexico and Spain.

When the University of Houston System reassigned Hudson in August, he transitioned from president to the job of assistant to the chancellor for international programs and initiatives.

"His experience in developing and promoting international programs on campus is one of his great strengths," said Maine, the Georgia search committee member.

The North Georgia College & State University boasts about 6,000 students. The school is in Dahlonega, a small, historic town about an hour north of Atlanta and at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The university's search committee meets Tuesday to nominate three of the five finalists for consideration by the school's board of regents. The regents will choose the president by the end of the month, Maine said.

Hudson declined to discuss specifics.

"Since this is ongoing, out of respect to that process and the many people involved, I would rather not make any comment at this time," he said.

Cheryl Johnson, a Victoria businesswoman, said that if Hudson lands the job, the news is bittersweet.

"Georgia's gain, Victoria's loss," Johnson said. "Tim Hudson has been a key player in the development of UHV from a two-year university into a four-year university. He has done so much for Victoria."